Type setting gauge



g- 14, 1956 H. K. HORTON 2,758,384

TYPE SETTING GAUGE Filed June 11, 1953 v 11111111l11.= I 71111111111114 58 f 2 IN VEN TOR. j,AAAAAAA23,530,Mu Hugh K HMO TYPE SETTING GAUGE Hugh K. Horton, Napa, Calif.

Application June 11, 1953, Serial No. 361,095

4 Claims. (Cl. 33-183) (Granted under Title 35, U. S. Code (1952), sec. 266) This invention may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

This invention relates to typewriter tools and more particularly to a method and a tool for setting a replacement type block on a type bar of a typewriter.

In replacing a damaged block of a typewriter, it is necessary to correctly position the replacement type block relative to its type bar so that the replacement type will be in the same horizontal and vertical position as the remaining correctly-set type to present a level line of typing. Modern day typewriters are provided with a whip ring which limits the forward movement of the type bars to prevent damage to the platen by the type block striking the platen with a force exceeding that required for typing. Thus, in addition to the required horizontal and vertical alignment, it also is necessary to afiix the replacement type block to the type bar when the type block is properly spaced from the platen and while the type bar is positioned against the whip ring.

Various devices for accomplishing this purpose have been proposed, one of the more common being a jig for supporting the type bar after removal from the typewriter, although such a procedure is excessively timeconsuming since it requires a partial disassembly of the typewriter. Further, as the jig could not duplicate the exact position of every one of the variously contoured type bars in a typewriter, it was necessary to conform the type bar by bending with pliers after installation. Other devices proposed to align the replacement type blocks with the type bar by the use of a test platen or a test stand, but, these devices were cumbersome in use, and in the case of the former, also required partial disassembly of the typewriter. However, a most important limitation was that none of the above devices were able to align the type block and the type bar when the type block was properly spaced from the platen and the type bar positioned against the whip ring.

Accordingly, a principal object of this invention is to provide a type setting gauge capable of aligning a type block on a type bar with the remaining type blocks of the typewriter, and also of simultaneously attaining a proper relation between the block and the platen when the type bar is positioned against the typewriter whip ring.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a type setting gauge which can be detachably mounted on the existing platen of the typewriter for setting the type block on the type bar without disassembly of the type bar from the typewriter.

Another object is to provide a simple and compact type setting gauge that can be installed easily and without the need for tools.

Other objects will become apparent from the detailed description and the attached drawing.

According to the invention, the type setting gauge is provided with an index which, when the gauge has been detachably mounted on the platen, is rotatably posinited States Patent ice 2,758,384 Patented Aug. 14, 1956 tionable relative to a type block of a correctly-set type bar so that the replacement type block may be set in the gauge at the same relative position as the correctly-set type and fixed in that position to its respective type bar.

In the preferred embodiment, the gauge comprises a longitudinally split sleeve body, which may be made of resilient sheet metal, adapted to clamp on to the platen and which is provided with the index, which may be a sleeve window having an edge against which either the upper or lower type on the correctly-set block can be positioned. By providing a window as an index, the face of the replacement type may be closely positioned to the platen surface as in a typing position with the respective type bar abutting the typewriter Whip ring. The sleeve is provided with a vertical adjustable means for supporting the replacement type block against the gauge in the pre-set position with the face of the type flush against the platen, or against a thin chafing member positioned on the platen prior to the application of the sleeve and conforming substantially to the curvature of the platen. The chafing member functions to protect the rubber platen from the scraping action of the sleeve when applied to the platen, and when the chafing member is made of metal it will rapidly dissipate the heat developed during soldering.

In practicing the invention, after the replacement type block is properly positioned, the corresponding type bar is supported against the typewriter whip ring making certain, by filing if necessary, that the free end of the type bar is positioned within the slot of the type block but independent thereof. Consequently, when the space between the type block and bar is filled with solder, the alignment of these parts with respect to the platen and whip ring is assured.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing in which Fig. 1 is a partial side elevation of a conventional typewriter with the type setting gauge shown in section and mounted on the platen; Fig. 2 a front elevation view taken along line Il-ll of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 an enlarged view of the connection between the type block and the type bar in an aligned position to be soldered; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the chafing member, and Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of the type bar supporting rod.

In the drawing reference character 6 illustrates a portion of a conventional manual or electric typewriter provided with a rotatable carriage supported platen 8 and a plurality of type bars 10 and 12 pivoted at 14 to a segment 16 forming a whip ring 18. The free ends of the type bars 10 and 12 are provided with type blocks 20 and 22, respectively, each having type characters 24, the type blocks being vertically slotted at 25, Fig. 3, to receive the end of the type bar and be soldered thereto.

The above construction is well known, the subject of this invention residing in the method for setting replacement type block 22 to its respective type bar 12, and also, in the alignment gauge 26 for correctly supporting the type block in position to be afiixed. Alignment gauge 26 comprises a longitudinally split sleeve 28, preferably made of resilient sheet material, the sleeve having a diameter less than the diameter of the platen and being provided with a knob Si} by means of which the sleeve can be clamped over the platen or readily detached. To prevent chafing of the platen by the application and removal of sleeve 28, a flexible chafing sheet 32, Fig. 4, made of .005 shim stock, can be fitted over the platen prior to the application of the sleeve, this sheet being at least the same size as sleeve 28 and being provided with a lip 34 at one end to be abutted by one end of the sleeve when applied to the platent to assure a protective platen-conforming position.

To provide an index for the gauge, a window v36 is constructed in the front side of the sleeve, the window having upper or lower edges, one of which may be used as the indexing point for vertically locating replacement type block 22 to be set by refeernce to any correctly set type block, such as block 20. The index may be a mark, projection, edge or surface, however, by utilizing a window, type 24 can be spaced from the platen surfaces by chafing sheet 32 substantially the same distance as it would be spaced by the typing paper during normal operation of the typewriter. When window 36 is used as an index, it is desirable to form the opening with a height at least as great as the distance of any type block from the top of the upper type to the bottom of the lower type, Fig. 3, which construction permits either upper or lower type 24 on a correctly-set type block to be aligned with same edge of the window, and, also, to enable the type face to be flatly positioned against the platen conforming curvature of chafing sheet 32.

Replacement type block 22 is supported for soldering in its correctly aligned position relative to window 36 by a resilient finger 38 supported at one end on an arcuate base 40 which is slidably retained on sleeve 28 by guides 42 to permit the vertical positioning of the free end of the finger on the replacement type block. A threaded stud 44 is fixed to base 40 and extends freely through an aperture 46 in finger 38 to permit the finger to be swivelled about the axis of stud 44 and allow an adjustment in the setting of the replacement type block as well as to space the finger from the window when not in use. Sufiicient clearance is provided between aperture 46 and stud 44 to permit finger 38 to be pivoted upwardly against the action of a coil spring 48 mounted around stud 44, such freedom permitting the positioning of replacement block 22 between sleeve 28 and the free end of the finger without straining the latter. The spring 48 is adjustable in compression by nut 50.

Further, the free end of finger 38 is provided with a longitudinal slot 52 of a sufiicient length to receive and loosely straddle type bar 12 so that type block 22 can be held against sleeve 28 without applying a pressure to the type bar. As is shown in Figs. 1 and 5, type bar 12 may be braced against whip ring 18 by a spring loaded telescopic rod 54 having grooves 56 and 58 at both ends adapted to engage type bars 12 and 10. By supporting the type block 22 against the sleeve independently of its respective type bar, a space 60 may be assured be- 4 and, therefore, a vertical alignment of the type face with the surface of chafing sheet 32 or the platen.

With replacement type block 22 thus supported on the gauge by finger 38, corresponding type bar 12 to be furnished with the replacement block is raised into engagement with spring-loaded rod 54 and whip ring 18. r

The raised free end of type bar 12 then may be brought into engagement with slot 25 ofreplacement type block 22 which is supported by finger 38. At this point it may be recalled that a space 60 is' maintained between type block 22 and the free end of type bar 12, and this spacing forms an important part of the invention in that it insures that these parts are independently supported. It the parts abut each other they may be filed or scraped until a clearance is present. With type block 22 and type bar 12 individually supported in spaced relation, space 60 then is filled with solder, the soldering heat being dissipated by protective sheet 32 to prevent damage to the rubber platen. In this manner replacement type block 22 is set to type bar 10 when the type block is properly spaced from the platen and the type bar proper ly positioned against whip ring 18. The horizontal alignment of the replacement type block and its contact with the platen may be checked by laterally shifting the carriage, with the gauge retained in its mounted position, and by typing on a-sheet of paper which previously may have been rolled over the platen prior to mounting of the gauge. After confirming the correct position of the replacement type block, the gauge easily maybe pulled from the platen and the typewriter then is prepared for immediate use.

By employing the principles of the present invention, a replacement type block may be afiixed to its respective type bar in a simple and expeditious manner and ina correct horizontal and vertical alignment with the remainder of the type blocks, as well as in proper relationship with the whip ring. The gauge is easily attached and removed from the existing platen without the use of tools tween the type block and type bar for reasons presently I to be described.

In operation, to afiix the replacement type block 22 in the correct position on its type bar 12, gauge 26 is slipped over the platen and clamped at any intermediate position, preferably after protective sheet 32 has been applied. The key to any correctly set type bar, such as type bar 10, is depressed to raise correctly set type block 26) to its striking position, and with the key thus depressed the carriage is longitudinally moved by the typewriter release lever until window 36 of the gauge is vertically aligned with type block 2!). Thereafter, the platen is rotated until the gauge index, which for purposes of illustration is the lower edge of window 36, engages the bottom edge of lower type 24 on type block 20, similarly as in Fig. 3. With the gauge automatically retained in this aligned position on the platen by the variable clutch, type bar 10 is released. The replacement type block 22 then is positioned against the gauge with the index or window being in the same position as the previously positioned correctly-set type block 20, that is, with bottom type 24 of block 22 engaging the lower edge of the window as shown in Fig. 3. The. replacement type block is held in the aligned position by the finger 38 which may be vertically adjusted to support type block 22 directly opposite the upper or lower type being used as a reference to insure a flush contact,

or the need for disassembling any part of the typewriter. Another particular operating advantage lies in its lightness and compactness which permits a repairman to carry it to the job and eliminates the necessity of transporting the typewriter to the repair shop. However, in evaluating the invention, it should be borne in mind that the principles involved have equal application and utility in many other machines which are similar in operation to typewriters, such, for instance, as Teletype machines and bookkeeping machines. For purposes of the present invention, such other machines all are included in the generic term typewriter.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for setting a type block on a type bar of a revoluble platen typewriter comprising a resilient split sleeve of smaller diameter than said platen, said sleeve being provided with an index formed as a line extending parallel to the sleeve axis, a resilient finger having a free end formed for engaging said type block independently of said type bar, and means for mounting the inner end of the finger on said sleeve with said free end disposed adjacent toand at substantially a right angle to said index line. p Q

2. An apparatus for setting a type block on a type bar of arevoluble platen type comprising a resilient split sleeve of smaller diameter than said platen, said sleeve being provided with a rectangular opening having upper and lower edges parallel to the sleeve axis and spaced apart at least the height of the type on said type block, and an arcuate resilient finger formed with a bifurcated outer end, and means for mounting the inner end of the finger on said sleeve with the finger positioned adjacent to said opening and parallel to its sides.

'3. Apparatus for setting a type block on a type bar of a revoluble platen type comprising a platen-protective chafing sleeve adapted to fit over said platen, a resilient split sleeve adapted to fit over said chafing sleeve and tightly engage said platen, said split sleeve being provided with a rectangular opening having upper and lower edges parallel to the sleeve axis and spaced apart at least the height of the type on said type block, an arcuate resilient finger formed with a bifurcated outer end, and means for mounting the inner end of the finger on said sleeve with the finger positioned adjacent to said opening and parallel to its sides, said chafing sleeve being of a thickness approximating typewriter paper.

4. An apparatus for setting a type block on a type bar of a revoluble platen type comprising a resilient split sleeve of smaller diameter than said platen, said sleeve being provided with a rectangular opening having upper and lower edges parallel to the sleeve axis spaced apart at least the height of the type on said type block, and an arcuate resilient finger formed with a bifurcated outer end, and means for resiliently mounting the inner end of the finger on said sleeve with the finger positioned adjacent to said opening and parallel to its sides.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,516,233 Lindburg Nov. 18,1924 1,890,659 Thorell Dec. 13,1932 2,525,027 Fox Oct. 10,1950 

